Saudi threatens to block YouTube over Innocence of Muslims

Riyad
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Saudi Arabia has threatened to block all links to YouTube if Google fails to accede to demands to block all YouTube links containing the controversial film "Innocence of Muslims."

The Saudi Press Agency released a statement saying: "Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has ordered host companies in the kingdom to block this movie from Internet users and has also requested Google to block all YouTube links carrying the film,” Al Arabaiya reported.

The statement added: “If this request is not met, CITC will take the necessary action to block the entire YouTube website. CITC underscores the importance of continuing positive reaction by citizens and expatriates who should report of any electronic links giving access to the defaming film as this is considered a duty imposed by our true religion on every Muslim, necessitating the prevention of any blaspheming reports to our Prophet (peace be upon him) and to our true religion.”

The directive came directly from Saudi King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has also urged its 57 member countries to "speak in one voice against the filthy film that tarnished the image of Prophet Muhammad" Arab News reported. The OIC favors a global law against defamation of religion.

According to Digital Journal the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al al-Sheikh, called upon the United Nations and international government to criminalize insults against prophets.